Town Square

inapropriate police actions in Pleasanton

Original post made
by Aaron, Highland Oaks,
on Oct 22, 2007

Why are the Pleasanton Police Department always so forceful? On or off duty, they seem to find any reason they want to enforce their ways on us. So many times over the past 10 yrs I have heard horror story after horror story of inapropriate actions taken by the department. Another such incident recently came to my attention today. It happend a few months ago, but still as relivent as any, considering I know it will happen again and again. A co-worker of mine and her significant other were having a cocktail, at the "infamous" y'all come back, on hopyard, sharing a parking lot with el balzo. A few officers use this as there spot to get intoxicated and roudy, due to there dating the bartenders. on or off duty you will find these officers there. I know I have, acting inapropriately, rudely, and aggressively. Starting arguements and causing problems. I know if anyone else acts like these officers, they would have spent the weekend in jail. Is there a double standard for police now, to where they can act and do anything they please. Staring fights, and making people feel helpless. With the people that are suposed to protect your rights, violating those rights, where are these citizens to turn? To the department which is violating these rights? I don't think so. Or should we simply employ the help of the county deputies. Their deputies do have jurisdiction in Pleasanton. Maybe that's are next choice.
So here is the scenerio. My co-worker and her significant other were having a cocktail, at the y'all, one off duty officer starts and argument with her male friend, attempting to get him into an altercation, knowing he could do what he wants with no consequences, or charges, in fact the oposing party would probably have charges brought to them. This officer dates the bartender, and made it clear he was a "cop", this is his girlfriends bar and they aren't welcome. Very territorial I must say. At that moment, she attempts to sign her bill and leave. Continuing the argument, the officer tries to push them further. So deciding the wisest thing to do would be leave, they drop some cash on the table, and head for the door. Before they knew what happend, the off duty officer tackles her friend to the ground from behind, a small scuffle ensues, as they try to get out of there without having to continue the fight. They manage to scramble out of there as the intoxicated officer attempts to pull him back to the ground, to pound on him.
Why did this happen? The officer is in his late 20's - early 30's. approx. 5'10, 180lbs, short brown hair. I understand that younger people often are a little more aggressive in general than the older police, but this is simply unacceptable. Unfortunately this isn't the first time this type of thing has happend here. I have been a resident of Pleasanton for 22 years. The past 10 years, things and attitude within the force and the officers has changed. To serve and protect, not to single out and attack. I have also heard of bogus charges that happen to these young adults, they spend a nite in jail, are released and of course the charges are dropped. It seems they are simply encouraging false arrests. Pleasanton has such a low crime rate, because of the citizens within the city. They care about their community, and their property. Not because of an over aggressive police force. We really need to focus of efforts, on improving this situation. They keep making the police force larger in pleasanton, but is that even needed. I don't think so. If anyone has any stories like this I would like to hear about it. Someone needs to. I am also curious of what the community reading the Pleasanton weekly, thinks of this, and what as a community should be done.

I agree, I have witnessed similar actions. One time a guy was walking to his cab, no more than 15 ft. then is slammed onto his cab, put into handcuffs and in the squad car. he was asking what he did, and the police said,"getting ready for a nite in jail is all you did". searched his pockets without due process or any reason to do this. I later spoke to the gentleman a few weeks later, he said he got charged with disorderly conduct, but when he went to court it was dropped. cause he was simply walking from the front door to his cab. that's not illegal. but he was intoxicated so he couldn't dispute it at the time. Personally I thought that was wrong. Though I haven't seen any attacks by police officers, i have seen inappropriate actions.

I remember a 16/17 yr old that was pistol wipped in the summer of 99'. i knew the guy, he definately looked like a minor. i believe that was excessive force. He was intoxicated at the sears parking lot. tried to run away from them cause he didn't want to get in trouble, they tackled him and pistol wipped him. only 16 or 17 yrs old. excessive is right. boy, that kids parents were pissed, but nothing happend.

Posted by CopsOffspring
a resident of Harvest Park Middle School
on Oct 22, 2007 at 5:19 pm

There are many double standards cops live by- I've seen them first hand as my dad was a police officer for over 35 years (he's retired now). I've never seen anything within the bars or on the streets etc, but I do believe that many people that become cops get a big head. It then becomes some power game to them and how "they are the law and all will listen to me." It's sad, but true. I have friends that are also cops and I have seen many of them roll through stops signs or completely go through them, including my dad. The claim to have stopped, but if a regular citzen did it and a cop saw them, they would get pulled over. The one time I remember my dad getting pulled over for doing that, he stated that he was a lieutenant for such-such county, and the cop just let him go!! If he can do that, why can't we all just say "O i've had a bad day and just need to get home"? And get away with it. Also, I have known cops that have fired there gun in their backyards, city cops came to see what was up, and then the cop who fired the gun just gets "slapped" at work with a warning. Any other person would have had a hefty fine placed on them (I don't know what actually happens if u fire a gun without a cause). But yes, cops have a mentality that they can do what they want. (If any of you have lived in P-town for a while, didn't one of the DARE officers get in trouble some years ago? No name needed). Not all cops are bad and mean. I've been pulled over for speeding on a freeway and the cop was actually very polite and didn't come off as demanding "things" from me. But yes, a good portion of cops need to have their bubbles popped.

Posted by OverFunded
a resident of Downtown
on Oct 22, 2007 at 6:47 pm

Though I enjoy a lot of the safety that Pleasanton Police provide, there are plenty of areas they spend too much on (DARE, overstaffing). There are so many office that it seems that they are bored, thereby causing them to go after people who don't really deserver it (as stated in a previous example).

It would be nicer to see some of that money spent on our schools or traffic problems.

Posted by Garry
a resident of Pleasanton Meadows
on Oct 23, 2007 at 6:10 am

I have been a member of this community for over 20 years and have never had a negative interaction with any person from the Police Department - I have found them to be caring, professional, and often going beyond "the call of duty" to represent the values of our community.

Sorry you may have had a bad experience but it has been the opposite for me

Posted by Karen
a resident of Vintage Hills Elementary School
on Oct 23, 2007 at 4:39 pm

I have lived in Pleasanton for only about 4 years, but in those four years, I have very much appreciated the Pleasanton Police Dept. Traffic issues are a big concern in my neighborhood, and I am very pleased when I see the traffic enforcement officers in the mornings patrolling the streets.

Along with simply traffic issues, I have appreciated the police departments quick response to criminal or suspisous activity in my neighborhood.

In response to the original post, as well as a few others, I would suggest contacting the Internal Affairs department of the police station if this is truly happening. Also, has anyone on here had a "first hand experience?" Much of this seems to be "hear-say" and coming from a couple who had a "few drinks" they might not remember exactly what their actions accounted for. I am in no way suggesting that it is okay for an officer to live like the laws do not apply to them, I am simply suggesting that unless you were actually there, you may not know the entire story.

An officer by the name of Scott Rohovit is the current Personnel Officer at the Police Department (I just checked the website.) I am assuming you could start with him to voice your concerns about specific officers. However, once again, I'm not sure if they take information from a second-hand (or third, or fourth) source from an intoxicated victim.

You do have the right to voice your concerns, and in my experience, the Pleasanton Police Department is open to hearing and addressing those concerns.

Also, a quick note in response to "Overfunded", the police department is not "overstaffed." In fact, it is my belief that they are currently short several officers. As with the rest of the country (this is a nationwide problem right now) there are not enough honest and brave people who are willing to put their lives on the line everyday for the amount of money they receive.

Posted by Ed
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Oct 23, 2007 at 9:01 pm

My cousin's father is a cop and every time she's pulled over for drunk driving they let her go because of that.
Where do the DARE officers get the money to buy Starbucks gift cards for all the teachers? They certainly buy a lot of them.
There will always be people who abuse power...parents, teachers, cops, doctors, dentists, clergy-people....Why do some people pretend that's not true? Some don't abuse their power, but there are some in every group that has power over others who abuse it.

Comment to Ed - How about really helping all of us and getting your cousin off the road - "Every time she's pulled over for drunk driving"- Instead of focusing on Starbucks gift cards how about YOU come to the table and do an intervention so she doesn't kill someone.

Posted by aaron
a resident of Highland Oaks
on Oct 24, 2007 at 11:39 am

Pleasanton police are definately overfunded......But we are still switching off the topic of inappropriate actions. Simply because a person has had a few drinks, does not mean that they are an open target, as I was stating. everyone has rights. we are aloud to drink, but definately not to take someones rights away for having those drinks. the actions are unexcusable. i have personaly witnessed this before. I called on it, all that happend was the police talked to me for about an hour, gave me a call the fallowing day, then I was conveniently pulled over by the officer in question. what good did that do? nothing. These rookies and even some of the veteran officers, don't seem to recognize anyones rights. i know many officers throughout the bay area. alot of sheriffs deputies. other city cops. a few are captains, lt's, chp's, and even the former alameda county sheriff. they all are in the same boat when it comes to the ppd. i don't understand why people are so clouded by the smokescreen they put up. I was at my friends apartment the other nite, on the corner of rosewood/ owens. they were investigating an accident that happend earlier that day. i could hear every thing said. these guys were not the investigators i would want on my behalf. they didn't know how to do there jobs. verbally that was clear. i know i can call the I.A, but that is also handled within the department. which i see as no good. there have been some incidents stated in the comment section. i know there is plenty more. i'm just not sure how many people view this site. i would love to find out more and more. keep in mind i know alot of people would not want to make enemies with the police, but putting there name. but hey i did. i've always been tought that honesty is the best virtue. along with courage. please community, show these characteristics that i know this community is overflowing with. For some reason the rebutles against this statement have only focused on traffic. traffic is not my concern. i don't care about pleasantons extra revenue. the court system is overcrowded and overfunded. I also know a former gail shone hall judge. who i know realizes why traffic citations is what ppd is after. please don't focus on revenue, focus on what is right.

Posted by George
a resident of California Somerset
on Oct 25, 2007 at 8:19 am

Hey Aaron as I am reading your posts I am just curious about a few things. 1) why is it that you seem to know so many law enforcement agents? 2) why does it appear you are always around them at times of conflict? 3) why does it appear that you have a massive chip on your shoulder when it comes to authority?

Posted by aaron
a resident of Highland Oaks
on Oct 25, 2007 at 12:45 pm

Hi George, I have no problem answering any questions people might have. 1) I have many family in law enforcement, and family friends. I am definately for those doing there jobs right, retiring with a very respectable profession. I am very proud of them all. In Pleasanton however, you seem the see the same officers doing the same things at the same places over and over again. I see it because I have my eyes open. I like to pay attention. 2)I have lived in pleasanton for the past 22 years. In that time, I have seen and heard of alot. knowing the community, and listening to their problems when others don't. 3) George, I don't see any chip on my shoulder, and I appoligize if that's how it appears. It seems in situations like this it can really only appear 2 ways. It seems some have been open to discuss the problems our city faces, and others go on the defensive. I simply brought up a point. I am not trying to step on anyones toe's. I simply believe the truth in such situations should be told. I am almost militant when it comes to my dependants, and what is right and wrong. I have no problem with authority, and appreciate good authority. I just am against double standards, and bad authority. If an organization is ran right, it is a wonderful thing. Just as a business is responsible for the actions of their employees, the department is responsible for the actions of the officers. I am pro- successfull leadership / authority. I mean even look back to the standoff last summer. More unexcusable actions by an officer.

You people need to move to a different city. We live in a very safe city and a big part of that has to do with our police department. i know, all of you software engineers have such high stress jobs (writing code, oh my!!) but the cops have a high stress job as well.

Cut them a break, they make 50K-80K a year in a city with a lot of wealth. Please judge them by the curve, look at other cities around, do you think they are better? Not even close. I hope on one pops the bubble you are living in.

Posted by aaron
a resident of Heritage Oaks
on Nov 5, 2007 at 12:34 pm

harrassment by police seems to be the theme of our city. pretty much we should be employing deputies in pleasanton, no need for us to pay for all the cities toys. why do they need trucks, suv's, gopeds, dirtbikes, and all the others. i remember the dare officer have a little dodge when i was a child. now they roll around in expensive suv's. they have more toys then i do. i only make 50k and i live here. money isn't evrything in this city. let the county pay. we alreay pay for deputy toys, and ppd toys. i think the bubble that needs to be popped is on your end. rude police are not needed. i definately don't think abusive cops rock. or those that think they can do what they want are great. 6 hr standoffs cause they don't want to break a fellow officers door. fake charges don't rock either. talk to the younger community, who are voters, and the future funding for the city. 18-30 don't seem to appreciate these "gentlemen" . police need to reflect the concerns of the majority, not the select few. so i guess the police make more than i do, and consider themselves underfunded. i don't consider myself underfunded. growing up both my parents were teachers, i had a great childhood. individually they each made less than that. and i think they provide a much better service to the community. like i said there just needs to be some attitude adjustments. some are great, but a closer eye is definately needed. they shouldn't run the city. the people should and eventually it will catch up. i am a voter, with increasing income. hopefully eventually time will change this.

Aaron- You were raised by parents who were teachers? Maybe you should learn to spell and properly use grammar before bashing people on a public forum. You appear to be very opinionated about the police and their investigations. Maybe you should become a police officer and show Pleasanton what one person can do to change the world.

I have lived in Pleasanton for 6 years and prior to that I lived in some not so nice cities. I find the police here are very respectful and make every attempt to keep their residents safe from outside predators. Yes, I have been pulled over many times for some really silly reasons, but each and every time the officer was professional and treated me with respect.

If you are not fond of the way your community officers handle business, move to some place like Oakland or Stockton and see if you receive the same type of service as you do here. Trust me, in other cities the police don't care if your car was broken into or eggs were thrown at your house not to mention a service I thought was really goofy…..call the police if your neighbors dog is barking and is annoying you. The police actually go to these too.

Overall I think these men and women have a very stressful job and as you sit quietly in your home posting comments on every topic, they are out there away from their families on weekends, holidays and every night to ensure your safety so you can stay sitting behind that computer typing away. One thing we ALL have to remember, at times we might feel the police are "Harassing" us, but when you need help who are you going to call? Ghost Busters??

You are right on the money. Just imagine the garbage that they have to put up with. Even on this open forum, folks have a hard time treating each other with respect. Heaven only knows how these same people treat our local law enforcement.

Ray- are you not on here doing the same thing. First off bud, i work 2 jobs, 7 days a week. i don't need to hear a sob story how they have to do the same as me. it sounds pretty pathetic. As for attemps at personal insults, you are a fool. don't try to bash "concerned citizens" people get to debate, and state their opinions. you have them, and everyone else does. people need to think who made the choice to take the job they took. what it really means. and if you aren't in a environment that requires force, don't get your jollies off doing it to those who aren't deserving. when i lived in Fresno, it wasn't a good community either Ray. I know bad police. I'm not saying we have totally bad police here. I simply pointed out a few incidents. Cause who polices the police? they do things wrong, and are exempt from prosecution. though you and I are not. Oh yea and the few times i have called the police, did they come? no....with all the burglaries in that complex i was in. what a shame. keep hanging at the dmv fella's . thanks

I agree with the original positng. they do seem a little too agressive for the run of the meal people. though there are plenty of real criminals around for them to catch. maybe part of the solution should be some type of sociological training. to adapt to their environment, is the best way to eliminate the negatives in the enviroment. I definately do believe though that there is a clear double standard for the officers when they are off duty. that's not fair. but the wistle has to be blown in oder for anyone to hear it.

Two words: Power Trip. As an EMS employee, we work tightly with the cops, and 90% of the time we wish we didn't have to. The other 10% is for when there is an unsafe scene (man with a gun,knife,etc). Their suppose to take the bullet for us, although in a real life situation I know they wouldn't.

Posted by John
a resident of Foothill Knolls
on Dec 19, 2007 at 6:06 am

To EMS responder "Yea".....Question, How many police officers have died in the line of duty? How many EMS personel have died in the line of duty? Should you even be at the scene of a "Man with a gun, knife, ect?" Or should you be somewhere safe waiting for the police to give an all clear before you are needed.....if needed at all! As for saying you work tightly with the cops.....um, do you respond to all their calls and traffic stops?? And as a community member, I was under the impression that public safety (Emergency Services) included the fire department, police and EMS. So why would you bash your fellow services? You are giving those who do work in the EMS field a bad name.......

I will say, I was very shocked when the officer that gave my son a
ticket(the first day we moved to Pleasanton), made a comment about
how new his car was. I believe the comment was something like,"new
car, must be nice." My son was so shocked he thankfully did not
respond. The reason he had his "new" car was because his first car
was totaled by a drunk driver. My son drives a 2006 4cylinder
Honda Accord. This incident does make me wonder about the attitude
of the Police Officer. The ticket was for what the officer said was
not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign on Main St in front of Tulley's.

Posted by Cops for Cops
a resident of Stoneridge
on Feb 2, 2008 at 11:56 pm

Ok...for all of you talking Sh$t about police officers...no matter where they are.. Why don't all of you apply for a job as one in any city and see if you got what it takes to do it or make it on for that matter. Put your money where your mouth is.

And if not..then shut it and get off your high horse. They deserve to drink too and call people a-holes and call BS when it is...AND something tells me some of you have been and deserved whatever you got...probably because you were drunk or just don't like cops because you want to be able to break the law.... Too bad! It ain't changin' anytime soon...so live with it. OR avoid it!

So, when you need them, do us all a favor, and don't call them if you don't like them. They have better things to do, like respond to Domestic Violence calls or arrest someone for DUI that might have crashed into your son or daughter that night...or better yet, catch someone that is about to victimize you or someone in your family.

Posted by Cops for Cops
a resident of Stoneridge
on Feb 3, 2008 at 12:06 am

Oh..and by the age and location of Aaron the big mouth, Im guessing the young lad still lives at home with Mommy and Daddy and has no responsibility whatsoever...maybe to take the garbage out once in a while. Go back in hiding Aaron or join the Marines and get a real taste of life! You on the 10 year plan at UBBC by chance?? (that's University Back Behind Costco...aka Las Positas Community College)

Posted by On The Fence
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Feb 21, 2008 at 6:47 am

I've seen good officers and bad. They exist in every city in America.

Bottom line -- as Cops for Cops stated -- until one of us are willing to put ourselves in the same role and place our lives on the line daily, we have little room to complain. In my lifetime I have had 2 bad experiences with officers -- one in Belmont, CA and one in Pleasanton, CA. Other than those two situations, I've been MORE than thankful to have the officers out there watching my back.

cops for cops......what a piece of work you are. you are in no possition to judge me, i've haven't lived at my fathers house since i was 18. and guess what that was a long time ago. believe me i'm no spoiled pleasanton resident. i've worked hard and consistant. producing succes. so yea no mommy and daddy, bud. . i am self made. graduated school. and yes i have gotten in a little trouble in my youth , but as for the big mouth of cops for cops. do you always hide your name. i don't hide. but you obviously do.hide your name attempt to hide your position. but sure don't hide your views. anyone who can't put there real name is just barking not speaking. yell behind a wall!!!! it always works right? nope.....

cops do have every right ot drink enjoy life, and have fun. but if you can act like an a$$ and do things that a normal person would get arrested for and don't. then i see a problem with that, as should all people
in the past 2 weeks i have seen 2 more incidents where off duty cops think they are above the law.
1) popi lounge 2 weeks back.....2 off duty srj deputies attempting to fight a few different groups of people, whom simply kept brushing them off. they got kicked out and were outside. i didn't know they were police, but they were screaming and yelling , simply making a scene. i go up offer him a cigerette to calm down, and simply tell him to calm down, we are in pleasanton, and if you act like a idiot you will go to jail. his response= "f*** you, i don't go to jail, i beat people before i put them in jail."- word for word, no joke. the operaters of the bar called the police on them, went to the pleasanton officers, said those guys need to leave, they are kicked out and fighting people, they should go to jail, but they are cops, and just wanted to tell you. the pleasanton police then, had a look of oh man........ what to do? needless to say, the officer put them in a cab. If that was joe smo. that wouldn't have been the case. that person would have spent the nite in a city or county jail.
2) sunshine saloon last weekend. a party of off duty officers, drinking like college students. no problem with that, until they got into their unmarked police car and drove off drunk. i see a problem with that. if anyone should have breathalyzers in their vehicles, i'd said police should be one of them. not only drinking and driving, butin a vehicle meant to enforce not break the law, that our tax dollars paid for. so you're going to kill me in your shield? that's what i see when i look at a situation like that. if i couldv'e gotten the licence plate i would have. but no luck.

i see you're down the street. my guys is probably about my age, so watch you mouth. i'm not a fan of people who fight for those who already have the means. cops for cops. keep remembering how much bigger/stronger the vest makes you look. yea!!!

and yes there is some great ones in pleasanton, dublin and the surrounding area. there is always corruption to a point though. in every field of evry occupation. but to protect and serve. on and off duty, is the vow. by the way, i was in the service. and my uncle and cousin are police. i know they risk their lives here and there and it is very respectfull. but it's like saying a priest can violate a kid because of his position. total non-sense

yea i never check my spelling on here. and normally doing other things while writting. i tend to get a little heated at people like cops for cops. in no way would he know my backround, my family, and or lack of, assuming i'm a adolencent, uneducated, criminal, spoiled by rich parents. which couldn't be farther from the truth. instead of attcking the poster (me), he should fight his point.
but that's ok. that's how some people work. and sometimes, when some of these guys just run a mouth, because they think they can. ,my example from a few weeks back is a perfect recent example, of how rediculous it is that a attitude that should be adjusted by a nite in jail, doesn't get it because of his occupation.

Aaron- I was there the nite at the Popi. it was ridiculous. those guys are worthless. going around trying to fight everyone. I think it is total and complete B.S they didn't get arrested for drunk in public, disorderly conduct, or assault. they were pushing yelling and trying to spit on people that i saw. I know if you spit on a cop that is a form of assault. what about when they do it to civilians? on or off duty people not just officers should carry themselves with a certain integrity, and persona. that did not happen there. I don't tell people i won't sell them a house because they are cops. but they refuse to do there job cause it involved cops. those guys deserve to be fired, and put ( not work) in the jail. it's obsurd.

Posted by Disgusted
a resident of Stoneridge
on Apr 10, 2008 at 4:56 am

I am very disgusted by what I'm see going on here in this forum.
I mean its fine and your right to say whatever you want but, Mr "Cop for Cops" do you really need to put down a community college like Las Positas in order to get your point across? (where I'm sure plenty of police officers actually attended Admin of Justice courses)

Talk about bad attitude? And you put down some kid who is probably a teen and in his experience he has probably been what he feels "harassed"
for doing what teens do. How is your response showing him and others what good people our police officers are? You have behaved in a more immature way than the teen who originally posted his thoughts here.
How dare you make the rest of the officers look like idiots by claiming to be a cop! Shame on you!

Posted by Disgusted
a resident of Stoneridge
on Apr 10, 2008 at 5:13 am

Cops for Cops, one more thought.. try setting a better example in the way you respond to criticism. I hope you don't talk to the citizens in our town that way if you really are a cop, it would only make a point that some cops really do have a power trip and feel that a badge and a gun gives them the right to treat people however they want. The Officers Code of Ethics is posted in the office at the PPD, try reading it again (especially the part about "conduct unbecoming of an officer of the law", which includes verbal communication.

Also try not to be such a hypocrite, I'm pretty sure you weren't angels as teens either. Try to keep that in perspective and focus on real crimes in our community.

Oh yeah and by the way, I attended a community college. Would you like to pick apart my grammar and spelling and insinuate that I'm some kind of a loser too? :P

Posted by aaron
a resident of Highland Oaks
on May 22, 2008 at 3:56 pm

unfortunately, if any action was really needed, it wouldn't. they'd wait for the whole force to come by like normally. i saw 6 cop cars arrest a drunk in public recently. the guy was very cooperative, and his ride pulled up as the cop started asking him questions. waiting outside having a cigerette, waiting on your ride has 6+ cops arresting you.

They don't go after the real problems, they go after their problems. those aren't always the cities issues, or legal issues. i think it's a little more than profiling!

Posted by Karen's Not Comin' Back Soon
a resident of Downtown
on Oct 1, 2008 at 12:11 am

I want to respond to two things. A. the bar issue and Aaron.
1. I used to go to that bar at happy hour several years ago. The methamphetamine bartenders are total white trash and STOLE MY NEW LEATHER JACKET. I saw her wearing it and my friend told me we would go back later and ask her about it because we had to go back to work. When we went back a few days later, my friend asked her if she would return it and instead of commenting, she went to the back of the bar and came back with a 7 foot ugly muscle lesbian who said threatening "Do we need to talk" so my friend introduced herself and this gross 7 foot monster says "My names Bolistic, cuz I go bolistic on ppls asses if I don't like em". Then she said "Let's go outside and talk about this." Where the two bartenders lit up a big fat marijuana joint and me and my friend were shocked and disgusted and turned around and left. So that's the type of women and people that the PTown police are associating themselves with? The first bartender has been there for years and hands down stole my GAP Black leather jacket!

2. Aaron, you work 2 jobs but make fun of Las Positas? Maybe if you went to Las Positas, you wouldn't be a disgrunted Ptown resident working 2 jobs, so go back to school!

I will start by saying the Pleasanton police force is great! I have meny friends within the department, including leutenants and seargents. i was recently pulled over in livermore and arrested for a dui and cocaine charges, when i was clearly sober. Including blowing a 0.0% twice in a row. I repeatedly insisted that it was clearly a mistake, while they were taking my blood test. When an officer has a hunch, there is NOTHING you can say to make him/her think otherwise. I am a 4.0 student that attends JC right now, and is well on way to a UC. I work 2 jobs, and have many responsibilities. My rights have been violated and now it is out of the departments hands. i need to deal with this in court while the office needs to never think about it again. I know it is going to be dropped, it is only a matter of time, but i feel there need to be some reprocussion for arrests that are so quickly dropped. Some inscentive for an office to question if a ligetimate arrest is being made. Now i have seen behind bars, while remaining a law abiding citizen that just wanted to get a midnight snack. My car was searched without my permission and i was questioned about a 2 dollar bill in my center console. (completely irrelavent). I NEVER drink and drive, yet i am still SCARED TO DEATH of driving in front of a police officer, because i can go to jail for something they THINK, and have absolutely no proof.
Also, a friend of mine, just got a DUI for having 1 beer at HOOTERS and blew a 0.08%. what is the use of haveing a LEGAL BAC level if it is illegal to blow it. It all comes down to a power trip, and today in America, you are guilty until proven innocent. And it costs the accused lots of time and money to prove their innocence. If they don't have the time or money, the charges stick and the officer gets away with the bogus arrest.
There needs to be some punishment for false arrests!

Posted by aaron
a resident of Highland Oaks
on Feb 10, 2009 at 5:10 pm

to Karen's Not Comin' Back Soon. ... let me start with saying i hate the y'all. and that sucks your jacket got stolen some years back. "bolistic", hahaha i should use that sometime.jk.lol... but seriously, that bar has problems. the staff, the clients ( whether drunk civilian, or drunk cops). the atmosphere is terrible.
and secondly, when have i said anything bad about LPC. i have a bachlors and come from parent teachers. just because i type fast and don't use the spell check means nothing, except you just initially don't like what i have to say. which is fine. more power to you. i am not disgruntled. five years ago things were great financially. but as alot of people, the economy has made thing alot tougher. and i can't wait till it turns around. but to say the poor cops salary before overtime is 80k. please. fire some of them and hire some teachers. fund our schools, not 100 new cars and suv's.

again i will say. there are good cops and bad cops. just like in any organization. it's like a good server, saying all servers are good. when most aren't. compitant police are needed. not a$$ h0le$ with a badge. i have police in my family, and they believe this cities department is a joke. 6 squad cars for a guy waiting on a ride in front of a restraunt. now that's the joke!

tyler, i totaly agree with you that there needs to be some form of punishment for police who stick charges on you that don't stick. cause sometimes these guys, livermore, and pleasanton, just want to arrest you. who knows why. they are just forcing their job and authority on us all.

yeah...i grew up in that town. since i was in the second grade, those cops harrassed me and my friends like cats and mice. When i was eighteen i moved out of there. my folks still live there, and i still have a dreaded feeling once i am in that city. it is like entering through the gates of the lions den. now, kids i grew up with are the force. and just like the brawling drunks in high school, these same idiots now have badges. and an overly sense of crowd controlling by use of violent assault. i now live in Oakland where i have a high profound respect for the force... who i truly believe dictates the authority to serve and protect. and even with its own scandals and cases of corruption, oakland cops have no time to be picking fights as off-duty dusch bags in bars with local citizens. cops need to be trusted members of their community, not feared, armed militia. in fact, under the constitution....:"citizens on patrol" are not to be armed, and unless designated war has reached american soil, this is an illegal assembly of mercenary soldiers and regarded as anarchistic coup de tat militants. Pleasanton should be considering reduction, rather than increase, in this most-unnecessary group of militant forced intimidation.

Posted by LatelyCops
a resident of Downtown
on Jul 30, 2009 at 9:27 am

Here's the deal FOLKS. Until the last year or so, it seems from inside information, that PPD was instructed by superiors to be "citizen friendly" and to go to lengths to be polite to adults, while coming down harder on minors who "appear" to be trouble makers.

The last year or so, PPD has hired quite a few younger officers from much rougher precincts. Nodesto to be a case in point. Any officer formerly working in Modesto, is NOT in my opinion going to be "citizen friendly". Also keep in mind that in "other" cities such as S.J. cops are known for having second night jobs as bouncers in night clubs, where they are quite popular with the young ladies! There has been ongoing problems with the cops using excessive force, causing problems, abusing their position, selling steroids, using drugs, etc. I don't think we will ever get to this point in P-Town though.